Best Roofers in Makawao, Hawaii
1 roofing company found. Browse ratings, reviews, and contact information.
Choosing a roofing contractor in Makawao, Hawaii is a decision that directly affects how well your home stands up to the weather this region is known for. The Atlantic hurricane season brings a real and recurring threat to Makawao. High winds can peel back shingles, driving rain exploits every vulnerable seam, and the aftermath often reveals damage that wasn't visible before the storm. Expect to pay anywhere from $14,000 to $42,000 for a complete roof replacement in Makawao. That range reflects differences in material grade, roof pitch, and whether you're dealing with storm damage or planned replacement. Make sure any roofer you hire in Makawao carries an active Specialty Contractor License (C-42 Roofing) — it's a legal requirement in Hawaii and your best protection against substandard work. Below you'll find 1 roofing company that serve the Makawao area, with ratings, reviews, and contact information to help you make a well-informed decision.
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Storm & Weather Risk in Makawao, Hawaii
Understanding the specific weather threats in Makawao helps you make smarter decisions about roofing materials, maintenance schedules, and insurance coverage.
Hail Risk
Low
Hurricane Risk
Very High
Tornado Risk
Low
Wind Damage
High
Hail Risk: Hawaii almost never experiences hail at sea level, though rare hail events can occur at higher elevations on Maui and the Big Island during strong thunderstorms.
Hurricane Risk: Hawaii sits in the central Pacific hurricane basin and faces significant tropical cyclone threats. Hurricane Iniki (1992) devastated Kauai, and Hurricane Lane (2018) brought record rainfall.
Tornado Risk: Hawaii averages about 1 tornado per year, usually brief waterspouts that come ashore, posing minimal widespread roofing risk.
Wind Damage: Trade winds, Kona storms, and tropical cyclones generate sustained strong winds that stress roofing systems, particularly on windward exposures.
Sources: Storm risk data compiled from NOAA Storm Prediction Center, National Hurricane Center, NCEI Billion-Dollar Weather Events, and National Weather Service local forecast offices. Risk levels reflect historical frequency and severity of events in this area.
Average Roofing Costs in Makawao, Hawaii
Roofing costs in Makawao are shaped by local labor rates, material availability, and the types of weather damage that are most common in this area. Here's what homeowners are currently paying.
Roof Repair
$600 – $3,000
Average repair cost range
Full Replacement
$14,000 – $42,000
~1,700 sq ft avg · $650/square
Common Materials
Hawaii has the highest roofing costs in the nation due to material shipping from the mainland, limited contractor availability, and extremely high labor and living costs. Trade winds, salt air corrosion, and hurricane exposure all require premium materials.
Insurance Tip: Hawaii homeowners insurance is very expensive, especially for properties in hurricane and lava zones. The Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund provides supplemental coverage for windstorm damage.
Best Season: Year-round work is possible, though the drier months (April–October) are preferred. Hurricane season (June–November) can cause scheduling disruptions.
Hawaii Roofing License & Insurance Requirements
Licensing requirements in Hawaii exist to protect homeowners. Here's what the state requires from roofing contractors working in Makawao and what you should verify.
License
Required
Insurance
Required
Bond
Required
License: Hawaii requires roofing contractors to hold a C-42 Roofing specialty contractor license issued by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. A license is required for all roofing projects.
Insurance: Hawaii-licensed contractors must carry general liability insurance. Workers' compensation insurance is required for all employers.
Bond: Hawaii requires a surety bond as part of the contractor licensing process. Bond amounts are based on the contractor's financial statement.
Permits: Building permits are required for roofing work in Hawaii. Each county (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai) has its own building department and permit process.
Consumer Tips
- ✓Verify the contractor's C-42 license at the Hawaii DCCA website
- ✓Confirm active insurance and bond coverage
- ✓Ask about experience with tropical climate roofing and hurricane-rated materials
- ✓Get at least 3 written estimates with detailed material specifications
- ✓Check for complaints with the Hawaii DCCA Regulated Industries Complaints Office
- ✓Ensure the contract specifies wind-rated materials appropriate for Hawaiian weather
Regulatory body: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
💨Wind Damage Protection for Roofs in Makawao, Hawaii
Severe thunderstorms, derechos, and straight-line winds pose a significant threat to roofs in Makawao, Hawaii. While less dramatic than tornadoes, sustained high winds and powerful gusts from severe storms cause billions in roof damage annually across the United States. Understanding wind patterns in your area, choosing appropriate materials, and maintaining your roof properly can significantly reduce your risk of costly wind damage.
Wind-Resistant Roofing Materials
- ✓High-wind rated asphalt shingles (ASTM D7158 Class H) resist winds up to 150 mph with proper installation and enhanced nailing patterns
- ✓Standing-seam metal roofing with mechanical seaming provides excellent wind uplift resistance and does not rely on exposed fasteners
- ✓Architectural (laminated) shingles outperform 3-tab shingles in wind events due to their heavier weight and bonded layers
- ✓Roofing adhesive (hand-sealing) on all starter courses and edges provides additional wind resistance in high-exposure areas
- ✓Closed-ridge vent systems resist wind-driven rain infiltration better than standard ridge vents during severe storms
Wind Damage Prevention Checklist
- ☐Inspect all roof edges, ridges, and hips where wind uplift forces are greatest and shingles fail first
- ☐Check that drip edge flashing is firmly attached along all eaves and rakes to prevent wind from getting under shingles
- ☐Verify starter strip shingles are installed along all eaves and rakes with sealant strips properly positioned
- ☐Look for lifted, curled, or creased shingles that indicate previous wind damage and vulnerability to future storms
- ☐Inspect roof-to-wall connections in areas where different roof planes meet, as these are common wind damage points
- ☐Ensure all roof penetrations (vents, pipes, satellite mounts) are properly sealed and secured against wind vibration
After a Windstorm in Makawao: What to Check
After severe winds pass through Makawao, walk around your home and look up at the roofline for obvious damage: missing shingles, displaced ridge caps, or debris impacts. Check for shingles or roofing material on the ground. Inspect the attic for daylight showing through the roof deck or signs of water intrusion. Wind damage often appears as lifted or creased shingle tabs that may not be missing but are no longer sealed and will leak. If you suspect damage, have a professional inspection done before the next rain event. Take photographs of all damage including wide shots that show the extent and close-ups of individual damage points.
Wind Damage Insurance Tips for Hawaii Homeowners
Wind damage from severe thunderstorms and straight-line winds is covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. Unlike hurricane damage, there is typically no separate wind deductible for non-tropical wind events. Document pre-storm roof condition with annual photos and maintenance records. After a wind event, file your claim promptly and get multiple repair estimates. If your insurer's estimate seems low, request an independent adjuster or public adjuster review. Upgrading to higher wind-rated materials during replacement can earn you premium discounts with many carriers.
Data sourced from NOAA SPC, National Hurricane Center, and NWS local offices.